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Ritsumeikan University

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Ritsumeikan University seeks to promote both rigorous scholarship and individual insights while nurturing just and ethical global citizens. 

History

The history of Ritsumeikan dates back to 1869 when Prince Kinmochi Saionji, an eminent international statesman of modern Japan, founded "Ritsumeikan" as a private academy on the site of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. In 1900, Kojuro Nakagawa, former secretary of Prince Saionji, established Kyoto Hosei School, an evening law school that was open to working people. 

Education

The Graduate Schools’ aim is to nurture students who will take the initiative backed by a profound knowledge and keen intelligence as they identify and resolve problems that stand in the way of human and social development. The Graduate Schools are committed to, in the words of the great Ritsumeikan postwar chancellor Hiroshi Suekawa, encourage their students to “believe in the future, live for the future.”

Research

Ritsumeikan University issues the research brochures so as to introduce the research activities at Ritsumeikan as well as to share the research outcome with society.

Career

Ritsumeikan University Career Center offers a variety of career planning events and placement support services for students. Career Center aims to help students achieve their individual career goals.International students are also welcome to attend the events and services. We strongly encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities to plan your future and find employment.

Ritsumeikan University Key Statistics & Highlights

  • #680 Ranking
  • 23 Scholarships
  • 1,981 Academic Staff
  • 34,870 Students
  • 2,790 Students (int'l)
  • Public Institution Type

Ritsumeikan University Overview

Ritsumeikan University Scholarships

Ritsumeikan University Scholarships

Below you will find scholarships related to Ritsumeikan University. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.

Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program

Read more about eligibility

U.S. government
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

ServiceScape
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships

Read more about eligibility

ACES Education Fund
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
28 Aug 2026
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

educations.com
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The PhD Prep Fellowship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Admit Lab
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
13 Jul 2026
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Salvado Law
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

IvyPanda
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Anonymous Hope Fund
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2026
$1,500 Annual Students’ Presentation Crafting Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

IvyPanda
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
11 Jan 2027
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme

Read more about eligibility

The Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
20 May 2026
PlagiarismSearch Essay Contest
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

PlagiarismSearch
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

IELTS from 6 to 9
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid

Read more about eligibility

American Association of Petroleum Geologists Foundation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
22 Jun 2026
Lawyers of Tomorrow Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Law Offices of James F. DiQuattro
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
01 Nov 2026
Francesca Norris Memorial Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

International Society of Women Airline Pilots
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
01 Nov 2026
Financial Scholarships
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

International Society of Women Airline Pilots
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
Creative BioMart Scholarship Program
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Creative BioMart
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
BOC Sciences Chemistry Scholarship Program
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

BOCSCI Inc.
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
International Conference Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

International Society of Women Airline Pilots
Location not available

Complete overview of scholarships

Ritsumeikan University Rankings

Study Portals Meta Ranking

Top 15.5% Japan
Top 15.2% Worldwide

Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.

QS World University Rankings

680

By TopUniversities

Dropped 39 places compared to 2025

QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.

3 year trend QS World University Rankings

2024 2025 2026
631 641 680

Best Global Universities Rankings

1573

By U.S. News & World Report

Climbed 45 places compared to 2025

Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.

3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings

2024 2025 2026
1438 1618 1573

World University Rankings

1501

By Times Higher Education

The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.

World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.

3 year trend World University Rankings

2024 2025 2026
1201 - 1501

Student services

At International Center, students can receive assistance with visa issues, accommodation, health, and day to day life. When new international students arrive at Ritsumeikan University, International Center organizes thorough orientations that include sessions outlining the procedures for obtaining their alien registration card, health insurance, and bank account.

Housing services

Ritsumeikan University has several international dormitories called “International Houses” near each campus. Japanese students (bilingual Resident Mentors) also live in the dormitory and help international student transition to living in Japan.

Library services

You can locate books and journals at Ritsumeikan University or Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University.

Campus life

Ritsumeikan University offers a wide variety of facilities to meet the various needs of its students. These include libraries and peer learning rooms named "PIARA", as well as gyms and other facilties for students to work off the everyday stresses of university life. Other facilities include seminar houses, bookstores, bike parking and international exchange lounges.

Student clubs

Ritsumeikan University has a long tradition of sport and other extracurricular activities for both native Japanese and international students alike. With over 450 teams, clubs, and circles, students are bound to find extra curricular activities that will not only help round out their academic experience at Ritsumeikan University, but also allow for them to make connections with other students while enjoying an old or new hobby.

Accreditation

Being an AACSB-accredited business school means being part of a network of 775 institutions spanning 52 countries and territories* across the globe who have successfully met the standards set forth by the association, and who have committed to maintaining these standards.

Ritsumeikan University Campus Locations

#1 Main Campus
Japan Country
Kyoto City

Ritsumeikan University Student Reviews & Awards

4

Based on 4 reviews

  • 5 Star
    1 Review
  • 4 Star
    2 Reviews
  • 3 Star
    1 Review
  • 2 Star
    0 Reviews
  • 1 Star
    0 Reviews
5/5

MS Computer Science

It has been a thrilling experience and is still in the process of being completed. I am satisfied of the outcome I have achieved, and will thrive to achieve even more than the current success and the current proficiency I have in my programme.

Posted by Muhammad Hamza
Studied from Unknown
Posted on Jun 2025
4/5

Ritsumeikan, Welcome for Foreign students that want to study in Japan

Ritsumeikan University is a very good place to start your studies and provides a lot of resources for your researches. Intercultural exchange is everywhere, and is Foreign friendly enviroment. However Professors teaching quality has to be improved.

Posted by Alexander Serrudo
Studied from Apr 2020 - Mar 2024
Posted on Jul 2023
3/5

I gave it three stars because I believe I belong somewhere else not because the University is in any way bad

Mostly I studied online because of COVID 19. The University had so many resources that I had access to and utilized. The faculty and staff were very helpful and it was such a diverse environment

Posted by Anonymous
Studied from Apr 2022 - Apr 2027
Posted on Jul 2023
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